In 1980, France took a step towards the future. The telecom company launched the Minitel system, which is the predecessor of the network. Users can shop, buy train tickets, check stocks and send and receive e-mail through a small terminal. Minitel still had 10 million connections per month in 2009, but the service was interrupted in 2012.
The keyboard of the French Minitel terminal is connected to the Arduino Pro micro. So you can imagine how many Minitel terminals are floating at this point. [gautchh] bought one at a garage auction not long ago and converted it into a battery powered laptop to take notes in class. Fortunately, [gautchh] recently disclosed this project and gave us a wiring diagram, STL, BOM and good observation of the construction process.
[gautchh] originally removed Minitel, but saved the power button and tr รจ s chic power indicator that looks like AA battery. The new 10.4-inch LCD screen is fixed in place by four 3D printed corners and a little hot glue. The original keyboard (we really want to hit the keyboard) is now connected to Arduino Pro micro. The main brain, raspberry peel 3b, is easily accessible through a convenient small hatch in the back. Well, it looks like we’re going to set up a new eBay reminder.
Want more kindness? Check out this French computer Gallery, or a more traditional mini phone with raspberry PI.